Thirteen-year-old Ciara McShane from Inver has been selected for the televised heats final of Ireland’s Junior Eurovision.
Ciara, who is a client of Karen Gorman Casting Agency, was chosen following a national search and hundreds of entries which were put through a rigorous selection process.
She dreams of being the overall winner and go on to sing in front of millions of people at the Junior Eurovision final in Poland this November.
Karen Gorman told Donegal Daily: “Ciara is off to RTE for the filming which will take place over two days. Eight young people will be selected for the televised final on August 29th with the winner representing Ireland in Poland!
“Our Donegal representative has impressed the adjudicating panel massively in every stage of the audition process so far. It is no surprise that she has been selected for the televised heats!”
Ciara McShane, 13
Ciara got the opportunity to meet the pianist from top band Picture This at rehearsals at RTE on Thursday.
Ciara impressed with her talents as she sang the band’s song Take My Hand in Irish, which is her chosen song for the competition.
Ciara is not only a beautiful singer, but she is an accomplished pianist and guitarist too.
Her proud mum Pauline said: “Ciara started singing in the house from the age of 3. From when she was 4 – 9 years, she took part in various plays and variety concerts in her local Community Centre.
“As a pupil at St Naul’s National School, her head teacher Carmel Mc Daid heard her sing O Holy Night and was blown away with her voice so for the first time at the age of 8, Ciara got the opportunity to sing in front of everyone receiving a standing ovation.
“The following year Ciara was asked to take part in a variety concert in her local community centre, where she sang Pink’s Just Give Me a Reason.
“Ciara has also taken part in her local Scór and choir for the last three years.
“A student of St. Catherine’s Secondary School Killybegs, she took part in One Voice at the An Grianan Theatre Letterkenny where she got the opportunity to sing a solo version of This is Me from ‘The Greatest Showman’ for the Minister of Education Joe Mc Hugh.
“Her next stage is in RTE where the whole of Donegal is behind her! The very best of luck Ciara, we can’t wait to see you on TV!,” Pauline said.
